Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi’s Trini Kaopuiki Clark is planning to leave her role as president and CEO at the end of October for a new opportunity at Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association, or HMSA.
Chief Development Officer Madalyn Kenney Bumanglag will step up to serve in the interim to continue the organization’s “work of creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across the state,” per an announcement from the nonprofit earlier this month.
“Trini has led Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi with heart, vision and an unwavering commitment to wish children and their families,” said Board Chair Cayenne Pe‘a in a statement. “We are immensely proud of all she has accomplished and deeply grateful for the strong, resilient organization she leaves behind. Madalyn’s experience, steady leadership and devotion to our mission make her exceptionally prepared to guide the organization forward. With our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors and community partners, Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi will continue ensuring children across the state experience the hope, strength and joy of a life-changing wish.”
Clark became Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi’s president and CEO in 2019, after a 20-year career in broadcast journalism. Under her leadership, the organization navigated granting wishes through the Covid-19 pandemic amid gathering restrictions, moved headquarters and saw an increase in annual fundraising.
“Although I am stepping away from my role, this mission — and the incredible community behind it — will always remain close to my heart. I look forward to staying connected to the mission as a volunteer and donor,” she told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions.
Clark pictured with wish kids at Swing for Wishes fundraiser. (Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi) 
The Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi ʻohana pictured at last yearʻs holiday party. (Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi) 
Clark pictured with wish kid, Vivienne, at Jingle Rock Run in 2023. (Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi) 
Clark, right, pictured at a wish reveal at fundraiser Jingle Rock Run in 2022. (David Livingston)
Clark shared more with ASD about her tenure with the nonprofit and what’s on the horizon.
What prompted this decision for you to leave Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi right now?
The opportunity came to me during a season of transition for my family, when we were preparing our youngest to leave for college and my husband had recently decided to leave his job. That made me more open to change than I might have been even a month or two earlier. Additionally, the timing felt right because Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi is strong, stable and well-positioned for the future. With a talented leadership team, a committed board and a clear strategic direction in place, I felt confident that this was the right moment to pass the torch and embrace a new challenge. That said, leaving Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi was one of the most difficult decisions of my career. The mission and the people there have had a profound impact on me over the years.
Ultimately, the opportunity to join HMSA as vice president of strategic communications and marketing was one that aligned with both my professional interests and my desire to continue serving the people of Hawaiʻi in a different capacity.
What skills/experiences from this role will you take with you to the next one?
This role has taught me so much about leadership and the critical importance of people, purpose, and relationships. I've also learned a lot about how to build and lead high-performing teams, navigate challenges, communicate through periods of change, and align diverse stakeholders around a common mission.
Most importantly, Make-A-Wish has reinforced my belief in the importance of aloha. Almost always, if your decisions and actions are guided by aloha and empathy, you're going to be okay. Every decision we make affects real people, and I will carry that perspective with me to HMSA.
How was the organization when you first joined, versus how you are leaving it? What improvements around staffing, operations, funding, etc., are you most proud of?
When I joined Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi, it was already a respected organization with a passionate team and strong community support. Today, the chapter has greater capacity, more efficient operations and a stronger foundation for long-term sustainability.
I’m particularly proud of the investments we’ve made in our people and the strong, healthy culture we’ve built around mission excellence and employee engagement. I’m also proud of how we guided the chapter through the pandemic, achieved record-breaking fundraising results, and earned local and national recognition for excellence and innovation. Those honors include first place in Hawaiʻi Business Magazine’s Best Places to Work for Women category and first place in Pacific Business News’ Hawaiʻi’s Best Workplaces competition.
Most importantly, we've remained focused on the children we serve. Every operational or financial improvement was designed to ensure that all eligible children can receive the transformative experience of a wish.
What will you miss most about this job? What is your most treasured memory from your time with Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi?
Without question, I will miss the people. I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary staff, board of directors, volunteers, medical partners, donors, and wish families who show up every day to make the impossible possible for local children.
I will also miss witnessing the life-changing impact of a wish. There is something incredibly powerful about seeing a child reclaim hope, joy, and strength during a difficult medical journey. Being part of those moments is indescribable. I never take for granted the privilege of being part of those experiences.
It’s difficult to choose just one memory because there have been so many extraordinary moments. I’ll never forget Lyla’s wish to be a Navy SEAL, when more than 100 volunteers showed up to play the “bad guys,” or watching Atticus perform on stage with his musical hero, Mr. Rob. I will also treasure the memories I’ve made with our amazing team. They inspire me every day, and I am a better person for having worked alongside them.
Currently, what are the organization's short- and long-term priorities?
In the short term, our priority is ensuring that every eligible child in Hawaiʻi has access to the life-changing power of a wish. That includes increasing referrals, reducing wait times, and continuing to rebuild and strengthen the wish pipeline.
Long term, the focus is on sustainable growth: strengthening awareness of the mission, deepening community partnerships and securing the organization’s financial stability for generations to come. The recently adopted strategic plan provides a clear roadmap for achieving those goals.
What is your best piece of advice for your successor?
Stay focused on the mission and never lose sight of the child at the center of every decision.
And remember, people are at the core of everything we do. Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi has been successful because of its people. Invest in your staff, trust their expertise, support their growth, and create a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, appreciated, and connected to the impact they're making.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
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